Fred Davis not worth franchise tag for Redskins

The Redskins used the franchise tag on tight endFred Davisa year ago, but don't look for that to be the case again this year. Now that teams can start applying the franchise tag on players, it's unlikely the Redskins will do so with any of their impending free agents.

Davis, of course, is coming off a torn Achilles tendon. He also is one positive drug test away from being suspended for a year. Put those two together and it's not the best sales pitch for Davis.

Devoting $6.5 million for one season to Davis is not the best use of money for a team in need of cap space. The options could and should include giving him a small one-year deal or -- perhaps more likely -- a multiyear deal with built-in protectors should he be suspended. The Redskins could spread the cost of the contract out over several years and keep a quality player for an affordable fee.